THE US ECOTOURISM MARKET
This Fact Sheet provides a brief overview of travel behaviour and motivations of the United States Ecotourism Market. The information provided here is based on a market research study commissioned by the Destination Australia Market Alliance (DAMA). The study investigated travel behaviour and motivations of long-haul travellers in key international marketsi. The total sample size for the United States
was 1017 persons who were interviewed in their home country. Further secondary data analysis of the DAMA research was commissioned by Tourism Queensland to identify and profile tourists specifically interested in Ecotourism experiences.
Ecotourist Definition
For the purpose of this research, an Ecotourist is defined as someone who did at least one of the following activities on their last long haul holidayii:
• Saw wildlife in its natural surroundings • Stayed in the wilderness
• Visited a rainforest/ jungle • Visited national parks
And agreed that they look for at least one of the following activities: • Environmental/ ecological sites to visit
• See wildlife in natural surroundings
• Walk in untouched countryside and natural environments
And sometimes plan holidays around at least one of the following activities: • Bird or animal watching
• Camping
Interest in Ecotourism among American Tourists
Using the above definition, 20% of allAmerican tourists who participated in the original study qualify as Ecotourists.
Overall, a relatively large percentage of American tourists stated that they were looking for activities such as “seeing wildlife in natural surroundings” (43%), “walking in untouched countryside or natural environments” (38%) or “visiting
environmental/ecological sites” (36%) in a long haul holiday. Around one third (29%) of American tourists sometimes plan their holiday around nature-related activities. The following tables provide further detail.
Activities participated in on last holiday
Saw Wildlife in its natural surroundings 27%
Visited National Parks 26%
Visited a rainforest/jungle 10%
Stayed in the wilderness 5%
Activities looked for in a long haul holiday
See Wildlife in natural surroundings 43%
Walk in untouched countryside and natural environments 38%
Environmental/ecological sites to visit 36%
Activities that holidays are sometimes planned around
Nature/ecological/environmental activities/wilderness 29%
Walking/hiking/bushwalking/rainforest walk/rambling 20%
Camping 14%
Bird or animal watching 12%
Demographic Profile
Demographic
Age Many American Ecotourists are aged between 45 and 54 (23%) with a
further 22% aged between 55 and 64 years.
Gender Amongst American Ecotourists, there seem to be slightly more females than males (57% females and 43% male).
Household Income Over half of all American Ecotourists have a monthly household income of 60,000 – 99,999 USD (27%) or 100,000 USD and higher (25%).
Education Level The majority of American Ecotourists have graduated from high school, with significant numbers having also graduated from college (26%) or post graduate college (24%).
Travel Planning
Types of accommodation
During their previous long-haul holiday, the vast majority of American Ecotourists stayed in moderate (2-3 star) hotels (37%) or luxurious (4-5 star) hotels (27%). Relatively small numbers stayed at budget (one or no star) hotels (16%);
B&B’s/Guesthouses/lodges/ farmstays (13%); on cruise ships (13%); in all-inclusive resorts (7%); backpackers (4%); tents (2%) or camper vans/caravans (2%).
Booking timeframes
American Ecotourists typically started planning their long-haul holiday six to nine months prior to departure (35%). A further 22% started planning around one year prior to departure.
Organising Previous Holiday
American Ecotourists tend to book many components of a long-haul trip prior to leaving their home country. Many American Ecotourists (59%) had organised all flights/transport and all the accommodation. Of these, 49% had also booked meals and tours/activities prior to leaving their home country.
Inspiration and Travel Ideas for Long-Haul Holidays
For American Ecotourists, the top five sources of inspiration for travel and ideas are: 1. Friends who have been there (57%)
2. Magazine articles/ travel sections (57%) 3. Newspaper articles/ travel sections (48%) 4. Travel books or guides (47%)
5. Other travellers/ holidaymakers (46%)
Sources of information to research travel destinations
In the United States, the top three sources of information used by Ecotourists are Internet travel sites (55%), travel books or guides (49%), and magazine articles/ travel sections (44%).
Sources of information to Research Destinations Percentage
Internet travel sites 55%
Travel books or guides 49%
Magazine articles/ travel sections 44%
Friends who have been there 43%
Government tourist office 36%
Newspaper article/ travel sections 35%
Specialist travel magazines 33%
Family who have been there 31%
Other travellers/ holiday makers 29%
Tourist office brochures 26%
Media habits
Travel behaviour
Destinations considered and factors influencing choice of destination
For American Ecotourists, the top holiday destinations seriously considered are Australia (54%), followed by the USA (52%), Italy (50%) and Hawaii (48%). For American Ecotourists, the choice of destination largely depends on
“recommendations from family or friends who have been there” (75%); “whether they can get a good deal to travel there”(73%) and “whether they feel the destination would be worth the money”(70%).
Key Factors Influencing Choice of Destination:
75% 73% 70% 68% 67% 58% 58% 50% 48% 47% Recommendations from family or friends who1ve been there
I can get a good deal to travel there I choose destinations that I feel would be worth the money The political or economic stability of the destination country or region The threat of terrorism The potential risk to my health Availibility of the right package tour The requirements of those I`m travelling with I`m restricted by what I can afford Work commitments or holiday entitlement
Number and length of last long haul holiday
The majority of American Ecotourists have taken one (28%) or two to three (32%) long haul holidays in the last five years. Of those who have taken at least one long-haul holiday in the past five years, the majority of trips were eight days to two weeks in length (38%), followed by 15 to 20 days (20%).
Motivations of going on long-haul holidays
For American Ecotourists the top three motivations of going on a long-haul holiday are “to see new things” (99%), “to see some more of the world” (97%) and “to have fun” (96%).
Motivations of going on long-haul holidays Percentage
To see new things 99%
To see some more of the world 97%
To have fun 96%
To have an adventure 91%
Scenery and landscapes to explore 88%
To learn something new 88%
To experience a different culture 86%
To relax and take it easy 85%
To get away from it all 82%
Activities which holidays are often planned around
For American Ecotourists the top three activities that holidays are often planned around are “history/ historical sites” (79%), “nature/ecological/environmental activities/ wilderness” (74%), and “sightseeing tours”(62%).
79% 74% 62%
60% 58% 49% 48% 45% 44% 44%
History/ historical sites Nature/ ecological/ environmental activities/ wilderness* Sightseeing tours Events/ festivals Native culture Cultural events eg theatre/ arts/ music concerts Visiting gardens/ seeing native flowers Shopping Food and wine Hiking*
* Ecotourism defining variable.
Travel to Australia
Attitudes of American Ecotourists towards Australia
For American Ecotourists the top three attitudes towards Australia as a travel destination are: “Australia has a huge variety of unique wildlife and habitats”(92%); “Australia has so many extremes of landscape all in one place (87%)”, and
“Australia is a comfortable and safe place to travel around on holiday” (82%).
Top 10 Attitudes of US Ecotourists towards Australia
92% 87% 82% 81% 78% 78% 73% 66% 65% 65%
Visiting Australia
The majority of American Ecotourists have never travelled to Australia (76%). One quarter (25%) “want to visit Australia but don’t know when”; 9% are expecting to visit Australia within the next two years. Many of these prospective visitors intend on staying for two weeks or less (41%).
2%
9%
16% 15%
16%
25% 7%
5%
Will visit in the next 12 months Will visit in the next 2 years Will visit in the next 3-4 years Will visit in the next 5 years Will visit in the next 10 years Want to visit but don`t know when Want to visit but don`t think I will Probably won't visit
Amongst those likely to travel to Australia in the next two years, the majority would “visit a couple of regions to get a feel for Australia’s diversity” (41%) or “several different regions to see as much as they can” (50%).
A full report is available on request.
Further Information
Destination Queensland, Tourism Queensland Ph: (07) 3535 5442
Fax: (07) 3535 5421
Email: ecotourism@tq.com.au
Or visit our website at: www.tq.com.au
Disclaimer
By using this information you acknowledge that this information is provided by Tourism Queensland (TQ) to you without any responsibility on behalf of TQ. You agree to release and indemnify TQ for any loss or damage that you may suffer as a result of your reliance on this information. TQ does not represent or warrant that this information is correct, complete or suitable for the purpose for which you wish to use it.
i For the United States, long-haul holiday destinations as specified in the DAMA questionnaire, are all
destinations other than the USA, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Caribbean, or Hawaii.
ii Tourism Queensland acknowledges that a universal definition of an Ecotourist does not exist. A
